2013 Old Spanish Days Fiesta in Santa Barbara Planned For July 31 to August 4

Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara is an annual festival that honors and preserves Santa Barbara’s history, spirit, culture, heritage and traditions. This year's event will take place July 31 to August 4 with the fiesta theme "Vaqueros y Vaqueras."

The annual event provides an education to residents and visitors about the history, customs, and traditions of the American Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and early American settlers that comprise the rich cultural heritage of Santa Barbara. Old Spanish Days Fiesta is not only a unique forum for the cultural expression of our diversity, but it also provides a vehicle for the non-profit and community service groups to raise funds for local charities and social service organizations. The event annually draws thousands of visitors from around the world who contribute to the local economy.

Invite your family, friends, locals and visitors as the bells of Old Mission Santa Barbara ring in the 89th year of Old Spanish Days Fiesta.  Enjoy five memorable days under the full August moon at La Fiesta Pequena.  Come taste the flavors at the Mercados featuring local non-profits; watch the daily performances at Las Noches de Ronda in the beautiful Courthouse sunken gardens; experience El Desfile Histórico, one of the largest equestrian parades in the United States, enjoy the thrills at the Rodeo; and visit the Arts and Crafts show along the beautiful Santa Barbara coastline.

Visit www.oldspanishdays-fiesta.org for more details and specific dates, times and locations. Most events are free of charge.

Nottingham Village Renaissance Faire in Simi Valley on November 16-17, 2013

www.nottinghamfestival.com

40th Annual Santa Barbara Greek Festival the Weekend of July 27-28

Santa Barbara's 40th Annual Greek Festival is taking place from on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28, 2013 from 11am to 7pm in beautiful Oak Park. The festival evokes the sights, sounds and tastes that define the traditional Greek way of life. Stroll through Santa Barbara's beautiful Oak Park and experience the simple pleasures of life in a Greek village. FREE ADMISSION!

Dozens of volunteers enthusiastically staff their booths, creating a convivial, welcoming atmosphere. Festival-goers return year after year for the food. — Delectable festival favorites like gyros and moussaka. And no Greek village would be complete without homemade pastries from Yiayia's traditional recipes: baklava, melomakarona, and kataifi are just a few of the sweet treats to delight you.

Listen to the distinctive sounds of the bouzouki and other exotic instruments played by authentic Greek musicians who perform traditional and popular songs. Delight in the beauty of the elaborate costumes worn by performers as they share their carefully practiced steps and intricate dances with the enthusiastic audience.

Take advantage of a free Greek dance lesson, and enjoy participating in the same dances you would perform in the traditional villages of Greece. Dance the afternoon away, eat a little (or a lot), shop in the Greek marketplace, relax and enjoy yourself under the oaks in the warm embrace of the best Greek culture has to offer.

More information at www.santabarbaragreekfestival.org.

93rd Midsummer Festival at Vasa Park in Agoura Hills on Sunday, June 23rd

Swedish American Central Association of Southern California 93rd Midsummer Festival is Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Vasa Park, 2854 Triunfo Canyon Road, Agoura Hills. Ages 13 and above $ 5.00 / Children 5-12 $2.00 / includes parking. Park opens at 8:30 a.m. 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. - "Continental" Cold Breakfast, 12:00 - Raising Midsummer Pole, Ring Dancing, 2:00 p.m. - Stage Program, Dancing to the Music of Vastkustens Spelmanslag. Food, swimming, huge water slide, zip line, folk dancing, Scandinavian vendors. Fun Stuff!

Exit 101 freeway at Kanan Road and turn west. NO PETS / NO BARBECUES

Visit vasapark.org for more information.

35th Annual Ventura County Greek Festival in Camarillo June 21-23, 2013

The 35th Annual Ventura County Greek Festival, held next to the Camarillo Airport, takes place June 21st through 23rd 2013. The event is presented by St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and features live Greek music, folk dancing, food, delicious pastries and baklava, vendors and a kids' play area. The food at this event is DELICIOUS!

Festival times are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday the 21st, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m on the 22nd and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday the 23rd. Check www.vcgreekfestival.org or call 805.482.1273 for more information. The address of the church is 400 Skyway Drive in Camarillo (Los Posas exit towards the airport).

Admission is $3 and kids 12 and under are FREE.

25th Annual Santa Barbara French Festival July 13th and 14th, 2013

The 25th Annual Santa Barbara French Festival

Sat & Sun • July 13 & 14, 2013 • 11am-7pm

The Santa Barbara French Festival returns to Oak Park July 13 and 14 to celebrate Bastille Day and all the things that make the French cultural history so rich.  Great food, wine, mimosas, crepes, delicious pastries,  music, dance, -- and, of course, the infamous Poodle Parade!  The 25th Annual Santa Barbara French Festival is a community event not to be missed.  It's a Dance Festival, a Music Festival, an Arts & Crafts Festival and, of course, a Food Festival.  It is also a way to support Center Stage Theater and Speaking of Stories, two great Santa Barbara area non-profits.

For two days Santa Barbara truly is the American Riviera as the French influences take over Oak Park.  Each day the fun starts at 11:00 am when the entertainment kicks off on three different stages and continues non-stop until 7:00.  The stages will be filled with dance and music from more than 30 different acts including performances, audience participation and instruction.  And every minute of entertainment is all free!

The entertainment is only part of what the Festival has to offer -- more than 50 booths will be offering everything from crepes and delicious French pastries to face painting and henna tattoos.  You can grab a mimosa or a beer, as you peruse some beautiful paintings and photography.  Enjoy a delicious crepe while shopping for your French Festival t-shirt and beret.  Take a moment for a quick massage and before you settle in for the next performance and a sinfully delicious croissant.  All in the beautiful setting of Santa Barbara's Oak Park.

Center Stage Theatre and Speaking of Stories were pleased to take over this great event in 2012 and we are excited to be underway preparing for this summer's Festival which marks a great milestone as the 25th Anniversary.  We are proud to welcome back our sponsors Santa Barbara Travel, Kronenbourg 1664, and HiddenProvence.com.  For complete details on the performers, food, crafts, shopping and activities visit FrenchFestival.com or "Like" us on Facebook so you get all the updates as the Festival approaches.

The 25th Annual Santa Barbara French Festival Friday and Saturday July 13 and 14, 11:00 to 7:00 in Oak Park at 300 W. Alamar.  Admission is Free and the Festival is a non-smoking event.  For more information visit FrenchFestival.com, frenchfestival@sbcoxmail.com or call 805-963-8198.